1.Vismodegib regulates microenvironment of basal cell carcinoma via BRD9-mediated Hedgehog and PD-L1 signaling
Hao WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Junlong LI ; Xintong LI ; Meiyan SUN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(21):2641-2651
Objective To investigate how vismodegib(Vis)influences the pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma(BCC)via a chromatin remodeling factor,bromodomain containing protein 9(BRD9),and to analyze the expression profile of BRD9 in BCC and its relationship with the immune checkpoint,programmed cell death-1 ligand 1(PD-L1)and the Hedgehog(Hh)signaling pathway.Methods ① A UVB-induced BCC model was established in SKH-1 hairless background Ptch1+/-;LacZ reporter mice.Then the mice were treated with Vis,and those without treatment served as control.X-gal staining,immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining,immunofluorescence(IF)assay,and Western blotting were used to assess the expression and localization of BRD9 and PD-L1 in tumor tissues and to evaluate immune-cell infiltration.② In vitro,mouse BCC cell line ASZ001(ASZ cells)were treated with Vis or a BRD9 degrader(dBRD9),and BRD9-overexpressing cells were generated.Cell viability and the protein and mRNA levels of BRD9,PD-L1,Gli1,and cyclin D1(Ccnd1)were measured.ChIP-qPCR was performed to examine BRD9 and H3K27ac enrichment at the PD-L1 promoter,including the promoter-proximal site(P1)and an upstream active segment(P2).Results ① At the tissue level,BRD9 was highly expressed in BCC,and co-localization of BRD9 and PD-L1 was observed within tumor regions,with evident immune-cell infiltration.Vis markedly suppressed UVB-induced BCC formation,reduced the probability of large-volume tumors(by probability-density analysis),decreased the X-gal-positive lesion area(P<0.000 1),down-regulated BRD9(P=0.024 9),and attenuated immune-cell infiltration.② At the cellular level,Vis treatment reduced cell viability and down-regulated BRD9,Gli1,and Ccnd1 in ASZ cells(P<0.000 1).dBRD9 inhibited ASZ cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and decreased PD-L1,Gli1,and Ccnd1(P<0.000 1),whereas its overexpression increased the expression of these molecules(P<0.000 1).In ASZ cells,BRD9 and H3K27ac were enriched at the PD-L1 promoter P1/P2 regions.Treatment with dBRD9 or Vis reduced BRD9 and H3K27ac enrichment at P1/P2 regions(P<0.000 1).Conclusion In BCC,BRD9 maintains chromatin activation at the proximal PD-L1 promoter and modulates Hh/Gli1 signaling,thereby promoting immune evasion.Vis remodels the tumor immune microenvironment by inhibiting the Hh-BRD9-PD-L1 axis.
2.Association between negative life events and smartphone addiction among middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):619-623
Objective:
To explore the association between negative life events and smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for prevention and intervention of smartphone addiction among middle school students.
Methods:
Using cluster sampling, 8 890 students were selected to survey from 27 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in a district of Shenzhen in 2022 (baseline) and 2023 (followup). Data were collected through selfresigned questionnaires on basic information, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and the Adolescent Selfrating Life Events Checklist. Mixedeffects models were employed to analyze the association.
Results:
Compared to 2022, the punishment scores of middle school students in 2023 [1.00 (0.00, 6.00) and 1.00 (0.00, 6.00)] decreased (Z=4.27), while the scores of interpersonal stress, learning stress and adaptation [4.00(0.00, 8.00), 4.00(0.00, 8.00); 4.00(1.00, 8.00), 5.00(2.00, 9.00); 2.00 (0.00, 6.00), 3.00 (0.00, 7.00)] increased (Z=-3.04, -8.36, -6.80) (P<0.01). Mixedeffects models revealed a positive doseresponse relationship between negative life events and smartphone addiction (OR=1.08-1.17, P<0.01). Stepwise regression showed independent positive effects of interpersonal stress (OR=1.05), academic stress (OR=1.03), and adaptation stress (OR=1.11) on smartphone addiction (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis of nonaddicted students in 2022 confirmed persistent associations for academic stress (OR=1.03) and adaptation (OR=1.07) (P<0.01).
Conclusion
Negative life events exhibit a positive doseresponse relationship with smartphone addiction, particularly interpersonal stress, academic stress, and adaptationrelated events.
3.Longitudinal association between only-child status and smartphone addiction in middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):630-633
Objective:
To explore the longitudinal association between only-child status and smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for establishing family intervention measures for smartphone addiction in middle school students.
Methods:
In October 2022 and October 2023, a preliminary survey and follow-up were conducted among 8 759 middle and high school students from 30 schools in a district of Shenzhen. A self-designed questionnaire was used to determine whether the students were the only-child, and the Chinese Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (C-SAS-SV) was utilized to assess the students smartphone addiction status. A multilevel mixed-effects model and subgroup analysis were applied to examine the association between only-child status and smartphone addiction among middle school students.
Results:
During 2022 to 2023, the prevalence of smartphone addiction in the cohort of middle school students increased from 24.1% to 25.2%. Compared with only-child, non-only child were more likely to be addicted to smartphones (adjusted model: OR =1.2, 95% CI =1.1-1.4) and also scored higher on smartphone addiction (adjusted model: β =0.9, 95% CI =0.2-1.5)( P <0.05). Subgroup analysis further revealed that compared to baseline, non-only child demonstrated an increased prevalence of smartphone addiction (adjusted model: OR = 1.2 , 95% CI =1.0-1.5) and higher addiction scores (adjusted model: β =0.8, 95% CI =0.2-1.5) after one year( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Non-only child face higher risk of smartphone addiction. Under the current population policy, it is crucial to address smartphone addiction among middle school students who is not only child.
4.Longitudinal association between compulsive behaviour and smartphone addiction in middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):638-641
Objective:
To explore the potential causal association between adolescent compulsive behaviour and smartphone addiction based on longitudinal data, so as to provide reference for the establishment of adolescent smartphone addiction interventions.
Methods:
A preliminary survey and follow-up were conducted on 8 907 middle and high school students in a district of Shenzhen in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Compulsive behaviours were measured by using the Mental Health Inventory for Middle School Students-60 Items (MMHI-60), smartphone addiction was assessed by using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version ( SAS- SV), and the associations between compulsive behaviours and smartphone addiction were analysed by using multilevel mixed-effects models and subgroup analyses.
Results:
Smartphone addiction detection rates among middle school students were significantly associated with genders, father s education level, mother s education level, study load subgroups, and whether or not they were single-parent families, and there were statistical differences ( χ 2=17.21-175.34, P <0.05). Students with compulsive behaviours were 2.98 times more likely to develop smartphone addiction than those without compulsive behaviours ( OR=2.98, 95%CI=2.77-3.22, P <0.05). Subgroup analysis of middle school students without smartphone addiction in the first year found that compulsive behaviours significantly predicted smartphone addiction ( OR= 1.76 , 95%CI=1.54-2.01, P <0.05).
Conclusion
There is a potential causal association between obsessive-compulsive behaviours and smartphone addiction in middle school students, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours in middle school students could significantly predicted the occurrence of smartphone addiction.
5.Recent advances in the study of CGRP receptor antagonists in migraine
Xiaowen Song ; Bin Li ; Xintong Wu ; Linshan Sun ; Wei Zhuang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(12):2378-2384
Abstract
Migraine is a widespread neurovascular disorder, the pathogenesis of which is closely linked to the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), leading to a significant impairment in patients′ quality of life. CGRP receptor antagonists exert their therapeutic effect by inhibiting the interaction between CGRP and its receptors, thereby preventing migraine attacks. Currently, several agents, including Rimegepant and Ubrogepant, have either received approval from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration or are in advanced stages of clinical trials.These drugs offer multiple advantages, such as the absence of vasoconstrictive effects, a rapid onset of action, and minimal interference with the immune system. Nevertheless, further investigation is necessary to assess their longterm safety, the potential emergence of drug resistance, and the development of individualized treatment protocols.Moreover, the integration of these novel therapies with existing treatment strategies remains a critical area for future research. This review aims to summarize recent national and international scientific advancements to establish a theoretical basis for the application of precision medicine in migraine management.
6.Serum levels of procalcitonin,interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in patients with COVID-19 infection at admis-sion and their significance in patient prognosis
Sibo LONG ; Yan CHEN ; Xintong ZHANG ; Yanjun YIN ; Limei YANG ; Maike ZHENG ; Chaohong WANG ; Qing SUN ; Jun YAN ; Yiheng SHI ; Guangli SHI ; Yan ZHAO ; Guirong WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(4):471-475
Objective To analyze the predictive value of serum levels of procalcitonin(PCT)and cytokines on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 at admission.Methods From November 2022 to February 2023,patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were admitted to Beijing Chest Hospital were enrolled.Chemiluminescence was used to detect serum PCT levels,and flow microsphere array was used to detect serum cytokines IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17A,IL-17F,IL-22,TNF-α,TNF-β,IFN-γ level.ICU admission,mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death were defined as poor prognosis.After excluding patients with bacterial infection,the relationship between serum PCT and cytokine levels at admission and the prognosis of COVID-19 patients was analyzed.After excluding patients with bacterial infection,the relationship between serum PCT and cytokine levels at admission and the prognosis of COVID-19 patients was analyzed.Results A total of 176 patients with complete data were included,including 134 in the PCT-normal group and 42 in the PCT-elevated group,with a median age of 71.50 years and 71.59%males.Patients in the PCT elevated-group had significantly higher rates of ICU admission(38.41%vs.13.11%,P<0.05),mechanical ventilation(76.92%vs.24.59%,P<0.001)and in-hospital mortality(38.46%vs.6.56%,P<0.001)were significantly higher than those in the PCT-normal group.Serum levels of cytokines IL-6(7.40 pg/mL vs.4.78 pg/mL,P = 0.033 4)and IL-8(10.97 pg/mL vs.5.92 pg/mL,P<0.001)were significantly higher in patients with poor prognosis than in those with good prognosis.The area under the curve for PCT,IL-6,and IL-8 to predict poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients was 0.687,0.660,and 0.746,respectively;sensitivity was 52.78%,55.17%,and 72.41%,respectively;and specificity was 81.58%,74.19%,and 74.19%,respectively,as calculated from the ROC curve.When PCT,IL-6 and IL-8 jointly predict the prognosis of COVID-19 patients,the area under the curve is 0.764,the sensitivity is 70.00%,and the specificity is 80.00%.Conclusion Serum PCT and cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 could be used as predictive markers for poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19.
7.Research Progress of Cellular Mechanoperception &Mechanotransmission under Space Microgravity
Ran TIAN ; Xintong WU ; Lianwen SUN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(3):387-392
On the earth,the majority of cellular functions are regulated by mechanical loads.The effects of cell response to mechanical loads under microgravity on the adaptive changes of physiological functions in space cannot be ignored.The cytoskeleton is widely considered as one of the key structures through which cells sense gravity variation and respond to mechanical loads.In this review,the research progress on the changes and mechanisms of the'cytoskeleton-LINC complex-nuclear lamina'pathway in cellular mechanoperception and mechanotransmission under microgravity is summarized,and the future research is prospected.
8.Cerebral magnetic resonance diffusion kurtosis imaging in active Crohn's disease patients with or without anxiety
Kecen YUE ; Jingwen SUN ; Xintong WU ; Haifeng SHI
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2024;33(5):432-438
Objective:To investigate the changes of brain microstructure in active Crohn's disease (CD) patients with or without anxiety by diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and to explore the relationship between brain microstructure and anxiety in patients with CD.Methods:Thirty-seven patients with CD who were treated in Changzhou Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2022 to January 2023 were included as the CD group, and 20 healthy subjects were included as the healthy control group during the same period. All subjects were assessed with hospital anxiety and depression scale-anxiety (HADS-A) before magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scan. According to the HADS-A score, CD patients were divided into the CD group with anxiety (16 cases) and the CD group without anxiety (21 cases). After MRI scan, DKI parameters were obtained by DKE software. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare DKI parameters between the two groups of CD patients and the healthy control group. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between DKI parameters in different brain areas and psychological scale scores in the two groups of CD patients.Results:The axial diffusion kurtosis(AK)values in the right insula, the left superior temporal gyrus, the right thalamus, the left middle temporal gyrus, the right inferior temporal gyrus, the left lingual gyrus and the right anterior cuneus were significantly different among the three groups ( F=3.060-9.627, all P<0.05).There were significant differences in the radial diffusion kurtosis(RK) values in the right cerebellar region 6 and the left hippocampus among the three groups ( F=4.124, 3.536, 4.200, all P<0.05). Further multiple comparison results showed that the AK values of the right insula (0.701±0.028)( P=0.019), the left superior temporal gyrus (0.764±0.016)( P=0.002) and the right thalamus (0.728±0.016)( P=0.001) in the CD group without anxiety were lower than those of the healthy control group(0.726±0.010, 0.780±0.015, 0.771±0.082), and the RK value of the right cerebellar region 6 ( P=0.021) was lower than that of the healthy control group. The AK values of the right insula ( P=0.023), the left superior temporal gyrus ( P=0.015), the right thalamus ( P=0.031), the left middle temporal gyrus ( P=0.006), the right inferior temporal gyrus ( P=0.001) and the left lingual gyrus ( P=0.007) in the CD group with anxiety were lower than those in the healthy control group. The RK values of right cerebellar region 6 ( P=0.012) and left hippocampus ( P=0.004) were lower than those of healthy control group. The AK values of the right insula ( P=0.002) and the right anterior cuneus ( P=0.017) in the group with anxiety were lower than those in the CD group without anxiety. In the CD group with anxiety, the AK value of the right insula was correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)( r=-0.47, P=0.048), HADS-A score ( r=-0.68, P=0.002), SES-CD( r=-0.84, P<0.001) and duration of disease ( r=-0.61, P=0.008) were negatively correlated. AK values in the left superior temporal gyrus with anxiety CD group were negatively correlated with HADS-A score ( r=-0.51, P=0.030) and SES-CD score ( r=-0.48, P=0.046). Conclusion:The microstructure of some brain regions was damaged in CD patients with or without anxiety, which was manifested as decreased RK and AK values in DKI parameter values, which may be related to the anxiety state in active CD patients.
9.Brain network mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment for stroke
Xintong CHEN ; Meng SUN ; Chuan QIAN ; Yongjun TAO ; Wenli XU ; Yu XIE ; Xiaoli GUO ; Zheng JIN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;45(8):945-952
Objective:To explore the effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment on brain network reorganization for the patients with stroke recovery, and therefore understand the neural mechanism underlying Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment.Methods:Prospective case series study. Thirteen acute ischemia stroke patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology, Shanghai Minhang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from Aug 2018 to Oct 2019. They were treated with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture once a day for 10 consecutive days in addition to routine treatments, and received clinical assessments before treatment and 14 days after treatment onset. EEG signals were recorded during the first acupuncture treatment, from before inserting the needles (the baseline), during needle retention, to after removal of the needles. The brain network was constructed using phase locking index, and its clustering coefficient (CC), characteristic path length (PL) and small-worldness (S) were analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA.Results:Compared with the baseline, the CC of delta-band network (sparsity=0.10: t=3.306, P=0.006; 0.12: t=2.909, P=0.013; 0.14: t=2.331, P=0.038) and the PL of delta-band (sparsity=0.12: t=3.236, P=0.007; 0.14: t=2.754, P=0.017, 0.18: t=2.878, P=0.014) and alpha-band (sparsity=0.10: t=2.432, P=0.032) networks were significantly decreased during the needle retention stage. Clinical assessments demonstrated a significant treatment efficacy of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture, and its efficacy which was indicated by improved NIHSS score, was significantly correlated with the CC changes in the delta band network from baseline to needle retention. The correlation was strongest when the network sparsity was 0.12 ( r=0.78, P=0.002). Conclusion:Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can regulate the brain network of stroke patients in real time, and this immediate regulation maybe associated with its treatment effect.
10.Analysis of clinical features and prognostic factors of aquaporin 4 antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders related optic neuritis
Xintong XU ; Mo YANG ; Huanfen ZHOU ; Mingming SUN ; Shihui WEI
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2022;38(12):968-973
Objective:To analyze the clinical features and prognosis factors of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders related optic neuritis (NMOSD-ON).Methods:An ambidirectional cohort study. From June 1, 2015 to June 1, 2019, 103 patients with AQP4 antibody-positive NMOSD-ON in Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital were included. All patients of followed-up period were ≥24 months. According to the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last follow-up, the affected eyes were divided into the low vision group [log of minimum resolution angle (logMAR) BCVA≥1.0] and the non-low vision group (logMAR BCVA<1.0), 66 and 37 cases, respectively. The two groups of patients were compared the genernal clinical characteristics, and the logistic regression model and COX proportional hazard model were used to analyze the relevant factors affecting the patient's visual prognosis and recurrence.Results:Among the 103 cases, 96 cases (93.2%, 96/103) were female; 94 cases (91.3%, 94/103) had unilateral disease; 48 cases (46.6%, 48/103) were the first onset; 85 cases (82.5%, 85/103) were effected by eye pain or orbital pain; 21 cases (20.4%, 21/103) had optic disc edema; 51 cases (49.5%, 51/103) serologically autoimmune antibody test were positive. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 101 cases. There was no obvious abnormal signal in visual pathways except for 5 cases (5.0%, 5/101); 96 cases (95.0%, 96/101) had abnormal signal in the visual path, and the optic nerve was found in the orbit; 52 cases had abnormal optic nerve in orbital segment (51.5%, 52/101); 37 cases (35.9%, 37/103) recurred within 24 months. The recovery of logMAR BCVA after the first onset and the logMAR BCVA at the first onset, at 6 months of follow-up in two groups were 1.4±1.0, 0.3±0.4, 1.9±0.7 and 0.4±0.5, 2.1±0.6, 0.3±0.4, respectively; and there were statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients at different times ( Z=-4.967,-7.603,-8.027; P<0.001). Logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that recovery of BCVA≥1.0 logMAR after the first onset [odds ratio ( OR)=226.276, P<0.001 ] and the number of attacks ( OR=8.554, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for low vision. Multivariate analysis of the Cox proportional hazards model showed the higher the MRI score [hazard ratio ( HR)=0.588, P=0.007] and plasma exchange ( HR=0.124, P=0.049) in the acute phase were protective factors for recurrence. Conclusions:Vision loss accompanied by eye pain or orbital pain is the main symptom of onset AQP4 antibody-positive NMOSD-ON, a small number of patients have disc edema, 49.5% patients serologically autoimmune antibody test are positive. Abnormal optic nerve signals can be seen in 95.0% of patients in orbital MRI, and 51.5% patients have abnormalities in the orbital optic nerve. The worse the recovery of BCVA after the first onset and the greater the number of attacks are unfavorable factors affecting the prognosis of vision. High MRI scores and plasma exchange in the acute phase are favorable factors to prevent the recurrence of the disease.


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